Wave attenuator

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system for dissipating water wave energy and for shoreline control including a module with a generally hollow body, a pair of opposed flanges attached to adjacent corners of the body, a pair of axially aligned mounting apertures in the flanges for connecting the body to similar bodies for forming a wave energy dissipation system, and a recess disposed between the flanges. Each recess contains a plurality of boundary layer interrupting projections for substantially disrupting any laminar flow of water past the surface and creating turbulent flow.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/118,108, filed Apr. 6, 2002, entitled “Wave Attenuator.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to devices and means by which water wave energy is reduced or dissipated to control erosion and deposition of beach sand and minimize movement of floating docking systems, and more particularly to easy to install and remove devices made from a multiplicity of modular elements.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] Breakwaters, seawalls, jetties and groynes are structures intended to dissipate incoming water wave energy and to reduce or change shoreline erosion and deposition. These structures are permanent, expensive, often unsightly and have limited in effectiveness. Typically, these structures act as barriers that redirect or absorb incoming wave energy. Often this energy undermines and helps destroy these structures, or as redirected energy it continues to erode or deposit materials in other locations farther along the shoreline.

[0006] Various modular offshore systems utilizing tires or other elements have been introduced for purposes of erosion control, wave energy extraction, and the creation of artificial reefs to encourage the population of fish, crustacea and other aquatic life. These systems are constructed as groups that are rigidly anchored to the sea floor allowing for minimal movement. In particular, Bishop, U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,105 discloses a system of buoyant, hollow bodies, constructed to form islands in the form of inverted pyramids, rigidly anchored offshore to extract or disperse wave energy. These buoyant bodies are multi-faceted with solid protruding ends, that when connected together provide for a plurality of avenues arranged to extract the energy from the flowing water. Such an arrangement is only partially effective, having no specific design to break the laminar water flow into one of turbulence. The protruding ends make the individual bodies awkward to handle, stack and transport.

[0007] There is a need for a modular element that can be combined, with other elements, to form a wave energy dissipation system that has multiple recesses that will channel flowing water. When a plurality of these bodies are connected to form a wave attenuation system, the water will be channeled through a series of constrictions and voids which will dissipate the water wave energy by hydraulic resistance and friction. Critical to the effectiveness and efficiency of such a system is the need for these preferably buoyant bodies to break the laminar flow of the water into a state of turbulence. This state of turbulence increases the disorganization and chaos of the incoming water, greatly increasing the distance that individual cells of water have to travel in order to pass through the system. As these water cells have to travel farther through he system, the overall resistance to water flowing through the system is greatly increased.

[0008] The buoyant bodies are preferably designed so that they may be used in flotation, ballast or near neutral buoyancy situations with minimal or no modification. Any wave attenuation system constructed from these modules needs to accommodate different anchoring systems. The system must be easily movable to other locations and accommodate adjustments for buoyancy and flotation level.

[0009] There is also a need for the individual buoyant bodies to be easily and inexpensively manufactured. They should be light in weight, easily handled, stacked and transported. The buoyant body must be of a material that is inert and poses no threat to the environment. Further, the buoyant body and constructed wave attenuation system using a plurality of such bodies, needs to be highly versatile so that the construction of the system may be achieved in a number of different situations, e.g., a floating pontoon, the back of a boat, on the shore or even at a remote site and transported in sections to the deployment site.

[0010] The buoyant body should be of such a design that it may be used for other marine and near marine situations, e.g., support of floating docks, artificial reefs and beach creation devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0011] In accordance with this invention, an apparatus and system for dissipating water wave energy and for shoreline control. Specifically it describes a wave control system including a module with a generally hollow body, a pair of opposed flanges attached to adjacent corners of the body, a pair of axially aligned mounting apertures in the flanges for connecting the body to similar bodies for forming a wave energy dissipation system, and a recess disposed between the flanges having a surface characterized by a plurality of boundary layer interrupting projections substantially disrupting any laminar flow of water past the surface and creating turbulent flow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which;

[0013]FIG. 1: Perspective view of a Multi-Faceted Recessed Cubic Wave Energy Dissipation Module.

[0014]FIG. 2: Top or bottom plan view of a Multi-Faceted Recessed Cubic Wave Energy Dissipation Module.

[0015]FIG. 3: Front or back elevational view of a Multi-Faceted Recessed Cubic Wave Energy Dissipation Module.

[0016]FIG. 4: First or second side elevational view of a Multi-Faceted Recessed Cubic Wave Energy Dissipation Module.

[0017]FIG. 5: Perspective view of parts of two connected modules.

[0018]FIG. 6: Exploded perspective view of three Multi-Faceted Recessed Cubic Wave Energy Dissipation Modules with connecting members and fastening devices.

[0019]FIG. 7: Perspective view of a Water Wave Energy Dissipation System.

[0020]FIG. 8: End-on elevational view of Water Wave Energy Dissipation System deployed with anchoring system.

[0021]FIG. 9: Front elevational view of Water Wave Energy Dissipation System deployed with anchoring system.

[0022]FIG. 10: End-on elevational view of Water Wave Energy Dissipation System.

[0023]FIG. 11: End-on elevational view of a dock or marina using modules as flotation stabilization devices.

[0024]FIG. 12: End-on elevational view of beach wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a multi-faceted cubic wave energy dissipation module 10, hereinafter referred to as a module 10. The module 10 is preferably constructed from low density polyethylene using a rotor mold. This mode of construction allows the module to be hollow and of uniform thickness. A module that is 24 inches cubed, is light, easily moved, stacked and transported. However, modules of other sizes may be used depending upon the intended deployed environment.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the module 10 has a top 12, a bottom 14, a front 16, a back 18 a first side 20 and a second side 22. The top 12, bottom 14, front 16 and back 18 are equally symmetric each having a centered rectangular projection 24. Each rectangular projection 24 connects the first side 20 with the second side 22. Each rectangular projection 24 is bounded by four trapezium shaped coplanar facet surfaces 26, each equally inclined to the rectangular projections 24. The first side 20 and second side 22 are equally symmetric, each having a centered square projection 28. Each square projection 28 is bounded by four trapezium shaped coplanar facet surfaces 30, each equally inclined to the square projections 28.

[0027] The module 10 has recesses 32, that are intersecting inset ribbed surfaces 34 that are inclined to, and connect the top 12 and front 16, top 12 and back 18, bottom 14 and front 16, bottom 14 and back 18. Thick connecting flanges 36 define the corners of both the first side 20, and the second side 22. The recesses 32 formed by the inclined, inset ribbed surfaces 34 are generally concave as shown in dotted line in FIG. 4, the ribbed surfaces themselves being formed by spaced hemi-cylinders having their longitudinal axes extending between pairs of thick connecting flanges 36. The holes 38 connect the first side 20 and the second side 22 with the recesses 32. Holes 30 through the thick connecting flanges 36 of the first side 20 are axially aligned to those holes 30 through the connecting flanges 36 of the second side 22, to accept connecting members 40. Connecting members 40 which may be rigid, such as steel rod, or flexible, such as plastic pipe or polyester cordage, connect a plurality of modules 10. An inherent characteristic of flexible connectors such as the plastic pipe or polyester cordage, is that while they are flexible, they are not appreciably stretchable longitudinally. A hole 42 is centered in the rectangular projection of the top 12 allowing fluid communication with the hollow inside of the module 10.

[0028]FIG. 5 shows segments of two modules 10 that are rigidly connected by the connecting members 40. The connecting members having little or no stretch tightly connect the modules such that there is little or no longitudinal movement of one relative to another. However, the flexibility of the connector allows limited transverse movement so the modules can move vertically one relative to another. The connection is held by a first fastening device 44 that fits over a short length of flexible tubing 46, such as rubber hose. Both the first fastening device 44 such as a stainless steel hose clamp, and the flexible tubing 46 fit concentrically over the connecting member 40, such that when the fastening device is tightened it crimps the flexible tubing 46 onto the connecting member 40.

[0029]FIG. 6 demonstrates how modules 10 are joined together using the connecting members 40, first fastening devices 44, and flexible tubing 46.

[0030]FIG. 7 is a perspective drawing of a water wave energy dissipation system 48, hereinafter referred to as the system, constructed of a plurality of modules 10, as may be disposed near a shoreline to dissipate water wave energy and control shoreline erosion and deposition of sand and other unconsolidated materials.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 the system 48 may be constructed in a continuous manner by successively joining groups of modules 10. These joined groups of modules form repeatable units along the longitudinal axis of the system 48. The repeatability in the construction allows the system 48 to be of any length and to be versatile to any shoreline application. Construction of the system 48 may be achieved from a platform or a boat that has dual pontoons. The system 48 may also be constructed on the water front, or at a remote location and transported in sections to the waterfront to be later deposed offshore by boat or platform.

[0032] The system 48 utilizes modules 10 for either buoyancy or ballast. If a module is constructed with dimensions of a 2 foot cube, then the module has an internal volume of approximately 6 cubic feet, giving the module about 360 pounds of buoyancy in fresh water. A module filled with sand alone has weight of approximately 750 pounds in fresh water. The system 48 is designed to channel water from the incoming waves into the recesses 32 of the modules 10. As the water flows into the recesses 32 any laminar flow is broken into turbulent flow by the ribbed surfaces 34. This flow is further broken and disturbed by the connecting member 40 that is disposed through the recesses 32. The turbulent flow created in the recesses 32 is further channeled into voids and other recesses of other modules to extend the flow distance and maximize the hydraulic resistance and frictional loss of energy of the water wave flowing through the system 48. An anchoring system 50 positions the system 48 near to the shoreline such that the oncoming water waves are always incident upon the same side of the system 48. Incident water waves on the system 48 create tension in the anchoring system 50. The anchoring system 50 stretches to accommodate this tension. The work done by the incident water wave to stretch the anchoring system 50 is converted to potential energy that is stored in the anchoring system 50 and released by conversion to kinetic energy as the anchoring system 50 pulls the system 48 back towards its neutral position against the incoming water wave.

[0033]FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 show construction of the system 48, is achieved by connecting a plurality of modules 10 together using connecting members 40. Pairs of holes 38 on one module 10 are aligned with pairs of holes 38 on a second module 52. The connecting member 40 is disposed through the aligned holes 38, and is held rigidly in position by tightening the fastening device 44 that crimps the flexible tubing 46 onto the connecting member 40. The thick connecting flange 36 of module 10 abuts the thick connecting flange 36 of module 52.

[0034] A lowest level of modules 54 of the system 48 are alternately ballast and water filled. One inch steel rods are used as the connecting members 40 to join the lowest level modules 54 to a second level of modules 56. The system 48 is constructed such that lowest level modules 54 abut pairs of a second level of modules 56, that in turn abut a second lowest level module 54 creating a sequence alternating between the lowest level modules 54 and the second level modules 56. The hole 42 in the second level modules 56 allows water communication between the hollow inside of the modules and that of where the system 48 is deployed.

[0035] A third level of modules 58 is attached to the second level of modules 56, by disposing connecting members 40 through pairs of holes in a manner similar to the method of connecting the lowest level modules 54 to the second level modules 56. Pairs of second level modules 56 abut groups of three of the third level modules 58, that in turn abut pairs of second level modules 56. The third level modules are rigidly held in place by disposing connection members 40 through aligned pairs of holes in the alternation of second level modules 56 and third level modules 58. The connecting member 40 used to connect the second level modules 56 to the third level modules 58 is a tight weave one inch polyester cordage As noted above, the polyester cordage is flexible but does not stretch. Accordingly, the modules do not move apart but can move vertically one relative to another. An outer module 60 of the third level of modules 58 is sealed and forms a buoyant member of the system 48. A central module 62 of the third level modules 58 is water filled through the hole 42.

[0036] A fourth level of modules 64 is attached to the third level of modules 58 in a similar manner to that described above for the second level of modules 56 and the third level of modules 58. The connecting members 40 are tight one-inch weave polyester cordage. Pairs of forth level modules 64 abut the groups of three third layer modules 58. Water may be introduced into the generally sealed pairs of the forth-level modules 64 to adjust the buoyancy and thus the flotation level of the system 48 in the water. These adjustments are made such that the outside water level is at the top of the third level of modules 58. A top level of modules 66 is attached to the forth level of modules 64 with connecting members 40 of tight weave one-inch polyester cordage, or ¾ inch schedule 80 plastic pipe. The hole 42 in the top 12 of the top level of modules 66, may be a threaded 2 inch NTP opening to accept a flag, marine or nautical light or other accessory fitted with a 2 inch barrel fitting. The hole in the top 12 of any of the modules 10 used to construct the system may be open or sealed, depending upon the location of the module 10 in the system 48 and its purpose to be buoyant, ballast or water filled for almost neutral buoyancy. In the case of the water filled modules 10, a second hole may be drilled in the bottom 14 to encourage the free flow of water into and out of the module 10.

[0037]FIG. 10 is an end view of the system 48. In particular, it shows portions of the connecting members 40 that are either 1 inch steel rods 68, tight weave one-inch polyester cordage 70, or ¾ inch schedule 80 plastic pipe 72.

[0038] The anchoring system 50 is attached to the system 48, and comprises a first anchor weight 74 beneath the system resting on an ocean/lake bed 76, a second anchor weight 78 at some distance from the system 48 in the direction of the oncoming water wave energy, and an anchor connecting cord 80. The anchor connecting cord 80 is securely fastened at one end to the second anchor weight 78. The anchor connecting cord 80 is threaded around the lower steel connecting member of the first level of modules 54 and a steel cleat 82 of the first anchor weight 74. The free end of the anchor connecting cord 80 is finally threaded through holes in the first level module 154 and the middle third level module 62 to be securely fastened by a second fastening device 84. The anchor connecting cord 80 although securely fastened at both ends, is able to freely move over the steel bar of the first level module 54 and the steel cleat 82 of the anchor weight 74. The anchoring system 50 is duplicated in application along the longitudinal length of the system 48 and is disposed where the first level module 54 is water filled. If nylon rope is used for the anchor connecting cord 80, it will be able to stretch as tension is exerted on it by the incoming water waves pushing against the system 48.

[0039] A plurality of modules 10 may be used as a flotation and stabilization device for a floating pontoon or dock. The advantages of using modules for this application are that they are easily deployed to create a dock or marina of any length; flotation level of the dock/marina may be adjusted; the material of the modules is inert and poses no threat to the environment; because the material of the modules is inert it has a long lifetime, reducing the need to change or overhaul the deck or marina; finally, the dock or marina can remain in the water over winter as the modules are unaffected by ice.

[0040]FIG. 11 shows a floating dock or marina 86, hereinafter referred to as a dock. A lowest level of dock modules 88 are attached by dock connecting members 90 to a second level of dock modules 92 in a similar manner to the construction of the system 48 as detailed above. The lowest level of dock modules 88 are alternately sand and water filled. The second level of dock modules 92 are air filled and sealed for buoyancy. Flotation level and stability are adjusted by adding water to the second level of dock modules 92. The dock 86 is anchored by a dock anchoring system 94. A deck 96 of the dock 86 is attached to the second level of dock modules 92 by an attaching member 98 that clamps the deck 96 to the dock connecting member 90, used to connect groups of modules. The dock anchoring system 94 may be a single line with one end securely fastened to an anchor weight 98, and the other end threaded through holes in the water filled lowest level dock module 88 to be securely fastened by a third fastening device 100. The dock anchoring system 94 may be similar to the anchoring system 50 deployed with the system 48 as described above.

[0041]FIG. 12 is an end-on view of a plurality of modules 10 joined together to form a beach wall 102 that is partly buried in a beach or near a cliff face to enhance deposition of unconsolidated materials into wider deeper beach to create a stable shoreline environment. Such a system is key to neutralizing wave erosion and undermining of cliffs with subsequent loss of land. The versatility of the modules enables the beach wall to be built progressively higher as deposition continues. Modules are joined in a similar manner as described above for constructing the system 48. Beach wall connecting members 104 for the wall 102 are of tight weave one-inch polyester cordage. Each module 10 is filled with sand through the hole 42. An old beach surface 106 has the wall 102 partly buried in it. A new beach surface 108 is gradually formed by deposition of unconsolidated materials, particularly during a storm when high water washes over the wall 102. As the water ebbs back down the beach it flows through the wall 102. The forced turbulent flow slows the water movement resulting in the deposition of any suspended material. The slope of the new beach surface 108 is closer to horizontal than the old beach surface 106, as the partly buried wall 102 defines the slope of the new beach and stops the materials from being eroded and washed away by incoming water wave energy. As the material of the modules 10 is inert, the wall 102 can remain as a permanent structure and an integral part of the beach, possibly to be completely covered by beach material as deposition continues. 

1. A wave energy dissipating system comprising a plurality of modules attached one to another, each module comprising: a) a generally hollow cubical body having a front face for disposition in a direction facing incoming wave action, opposite sides, a top and a bottom; b) a flange at each corner of the body, the flanges arranged in opposed pairs having axially aligned apertures arranged to receive a connector extending through the apertures for connecting adjacent modules one to another; c) the front face having a wave deflecting recessed portion disposed along a longitudinal edge of the body between a pair of the opposed flanges, the recessed portion arranged to deflect and turn an incoming wave towards the vertical; and d) a frustum of a rectangular pyramid standing out from the plane of each of the opposite sides of the cubical body, the frustum having its base centrally located in the plane of the side of the cubical body and a front side defining a slanted surface facing in the direction of an incoming wave.
 2. The wave energy dissipating system as in claim 1 wherein the frustum faces in the direction of a like frustum of a rectangular pyramid extending out from a side of an adjacent module and the facing frustums together both obstruct the passage of water centrally through between the adjacent modules and permit passage of water between the modules
 3. The wave energy dissipating system as in claim 1 wherein the connector is a non-stretch connector thereby preventing significant longitudinal movement between adjacent modules.
 4. The wave energy dissipating system as in claim 3 wherein the connector allows limited transverse flexibility for limited vertical movement of adjacent modules one relative to another.
 5. The wave energy dissipating system as in claim 1 wherein the connector means extends longitudinally through the recessed portion.
 6. The wave energy dissipating system as in claim 1 further comprising a frustum of a rectangular pyramid standing out from the plane of each of the front face, opposite sides, top and bottom of the cubical body.
 7. The wave energy dissipating system as in claim 1 further comprising a brace attached across the top of adjacent modules.
 8. The wave energy dissipating system as in claim 7 further comprising a floating structure.
 9. The wave energy dissipating system as in claim 8 further comprising a beach wall for creating a stable shoreline environment.
 10. A wave energy dissipating system comprising a plurality of modules attached one to another, each module comprising: a) a generally hollow cubical body having a front face for disposition in a direction facing incoming wave action, opposite sides, a top and a bottom; b) a flange at each corner of the body, the flanges arranged in opposed pairs having axially aligned apertures arranged to receive a connector extending through the apertures for connecting adjacent modules one to another; and c) the front face having a wave deflecting recessed portion disposed along a longitudinal edge of the body between a pair of the opposed flanges, the recessed portion arranged to deflect and turn an incoming wave towards the vertical.
 11. The wave energy dissipating system as in claim 10 further comprising a frustum of a rectangular pyramid standing out from the plane of each of the opposite sides of the cubical body, the frustum having its base centrally located in the plane of the side of the cubical body and a front side defining a slanted surface facing in the direction of an incoming wave.
 12. A wave energy dissipating system as in claim 10 wherein the frustum faces in the direction of a like frustum of a rectangular pyramid extending out from a side of an adjacent module and the facing frustums together obstruct the free passage of water between the adjacent modules.
 13. A wave energy dissipating system as in claim 10 wherein the connector is a non-stretch connector thereby preventing significant longitudinal movement between adjacent modules.
 14. A wave energy dissipating system as in claim 13 wherein the connector allows limited transverse flexibility for limited vertical movement of adjacent modules one relative to another.
 15. A wave energy dissipating system as in claim 10 wherein the connector means extends longitudinally through the recessed portion.
 16. A wave energy dissipating system as in claim 10 further comprising a frustum of a rectangular pyramid standing out from the plane of each of the front face, opposite sides, top and bottom of the cubical body.
 17. A wave energy dissipating system as in claim 10 further comprising a brace attached across the top of adjacent modules.
 18. The wave energy dissipating system as in claim 17 further comprising a floating structure.
 19. The wave energy dissipating system as in claim 18 further comprising a beach wall for creating a stable shoreline environment.
 20. A module for a wave energy dissipation system that disrupts the laminar flow of water through the system comprising a generally cubical hollow body with opposed pairs of flanges located at the corners and a recess portion having an inclined surface with a plurality of longitudinal projections. 